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“Reflecting on a Transformative Year: Key Global and Regional Highlights to Watch”

As we approach the year’s end, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of transformation and dynamic change. From influential local movements to groundbreaking global events, major players have left a lasting impact across sectors. 

Join us as we delve into the latest developments and unpack the stories that have shaped this remarkable year.”

In the past week, November 2024, a Kenyan, paedophile aged 42 years was arrested after defiling children and filming the act for sale. In part – the suspect confessed recording children getting undressed and selling the material online. His arrest came after the abduction of a 13 year old girl in Nakuru estate. More details below. 

Certainly we have seen more reported cases ending with convictions that affirm the work that goes on in child safeguarding and protection. Early this year in April, Hon. chief principal magistrate Jackie Kibosia sentenced to five years in prison or pay a KSh. 15 million fine for taking pictures of a seven year old girl and sending them to her boyfriend. Sharon Wabwile was convicted of the offence of undertaking child pornography. 

Australia’s government through the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the proposed laws, to be tabled in parliament next week, were aimed at mitigating the “harm” social media was inflicting on Australian children.This aims to introduce “world-leading” legislation to ban children under 16 from social media.

A recent proposal to restrict children under 16 from social media  aims to address rising concerns over youth’s exposure to harmful online content and its mental health effects. This policy represents one of the strictest age limits on social media use globally and would require platforms to implement robust age verification methods. Key reasons cited by the government include:
1. Protection from cyberbullying
2. The impact of disturbing content served by algorithms
3.Health risks associated with excessive social media use especially for young and impressionable users. 

However, the implementation and enforcement present substantial challenges, including privacy concerns, potential workarounds, and the unintended isolation of vulnerable teens and the ban implication applying to young people already on social media.

For children already using social media, this ban may create new hurdles for maintaining their online connections, especially for those who use it as a primary way to stay in touch with family or access supportive communities. Youth advocates warn of possible isolation for marginalised teens, including those in LGBTQIA+ communities or from migrant backgrounds, as social media often serves as a crucial support network. Some experts argue that a complete ban could inadvertently worsen mental health issues for certain teens by cutting off vital social ties.

Regulating compliance will be difficult, as age verification has proven to be technically challenging and controversial. Trials are testing age verification technologies like photo ID uploads, facial age estimation, and tokenized methods that transfer age data via third-party services. However, as seen in other countries attempting similar regulations, children often bypass restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), highlighting the limitations of technical enforcement. Privacy concerns are also significant, as verification methods could involve sharing sensitive personal data, potentially exposing young users to additional risks.

For social media platforms, the Australian government has issued a one-year grace period to implement these changes, backed by the possibility of substantial fines for non-compliance. This legislation could have wider implications globally, as similar policies in the UK, France, and parts of the U.S. reflect a growing trend to regulate young users’ online activity. If successful, Australia’s model might encourage other countries to adopt similar restrictions, making age verification a standard requirement worldwide for social media platforms.

This policy could reshape the digital landscape for teens, balancing safety with the risk of isolating vulnerable users. It marks a significant moment in the global conversation around online safety and the role of governments and tech companies in protecting young people online.

Some notably divergent debatables have been from select parents and experts have been:
1.  Delay young people’s exposure to apps such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, instead of teaching them how to navigate complex online spaces.

2. Previous attempts at restricting access, including by the European Union, have largely failed or faced backlash from tech firms.
3. Glaring implementation challenges give that there are tools that can circumvent age verification requirements. A few are; False age declaration, a morality deficit, Parental or guardian accounts, VPN’s, AI & Deep Fake Tools,Fake Identification or Altered photos / selfies.
   That said, grassroots campaigners have lobbied Australia’s government for the laws, saying bans are needed to protect children from harmful content, misinformation, bullying and other social pressures that are causing an epidemic of mental illness.

This is among the highlights we eagerly await to follow  and note its direct and indirect implications  in the global society and how it affects the Trust and Safety industry come 2025. 

Shifting gears to Canada, 

TikTok has been ordered to shut down its offices in the country. In part on Wednesday 6th November 2024, “Ordered Chinese-owned TikTok’s business in the country to be dissolved, citing national-security risks, but added the government was not blocking Canadians’ access to the short-video app or their ability to create content.”

One of the significant impacts to this order is the destruction of hundreds of well-paying local jobs not in anyone’s best interest. This article will help you understand more on the implications of this. 

Here’s a comprehensive overview of significant Trust and Safety (T&S) – online safety industry news for 2024, highlighting key developments both locally in Kenya and globally. The highlighted events include impacts on the economy and society.

January 2024

Global: Introduction of the EU Digital Safety Act

Overview: The European Union launched the Digital Safety Act, aiming to enhance online platform accountability, combat misinformation, and protect user data.

Impact:

• Economy: Increased compliance costs for tech companies operating in the EU, fostering a market for compliance solutions and consulting services.
• Society: Enhanced user trust in online platforms, reduced prevalence of fake news, and stronger data privacy protections.

Kenya: National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation

Kenya began rolling out its updated National Cybersecurity Strategy, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing public-private partnerships. Evemient’s CEO Evelyn Kasina participated in the development of this strategy.

Impact:

• Economy: Boosted investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and services, creating job opportunities in the tech sector.
• Society: Increased public awareness of cyber threats and improved resilience against cyberattacks.

February 2024

Global: Rise of AI-Driven Content Moderation

Major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube integrated advanced AI algorithms to improve content moderation efficiency.

Impact:

• Economy: Reduced operational costs for platforms, while increasing demand for AI development and maintenance.
• Society: Faster removal of harmful content, though concerns about AI biases and censorship arose.

Kenya’s Launch of Online Safety Awareness Campaign

The Kenyan government, in collaboration with NGOs, launched a nationwide campaign to educate citizens about online safety and digital literacy.

Impact:

• Economy: Strengthened digital workforce skills, attracting foreign investment in the tech sector.
• Society: Enhanced public knowledge on protecting personal data and recognizing cyber threats.

March 2024

Global: Major Data Breach at a Leading Social Media Platform

A significant data breach exposed user information from millions of accounts on a prominent social media platform.

Impact:

• Economy: Stock prices of the affected company plummeted, leading to increased scrutiny and tighter regulations on data security.
• Society: Erosion of user trust, heightened concerns over data privacy, and increased demand for secure platforms.

Kenya’s Establishment of the Kenya Online Trust Alliance (KOTA)

KOTA was formed to bring together stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to enhance online trust and safety measures.

Impact:

• Economy: Facilitated collaboration on cybersecurity initiatives, promoting a safer digital environment conducive to business growth.
• Society: Improved mechanisms for reporting and addressing online abuse, fostering a safer online community.

April 2024

Global: Introduction of the U.S. Online Safety Bill

The United States passed the Online Safety Bill, mandating stricter content moderation and transparency requirements for tech companies.

Impact:

• Economy: Increased compliance expenses for U.S.-based and international companies operating in the U.S., spurring growth in legal and consulting services.
• Society: Enhanced protection against online harassment and harmful content, while debates over free speech intensified.

Kenya: Cybercrime Task Force Enhancement

Kenya expanded its cybercrime task force with additional resources and expertise to tackle rising online threats.

Impact:

• Economy: Improved cybersecurity defences for businesses, reducing financial losses from cyberattacks.
• Society: Greater law enforcement capabilities in addressing cybercrimes, leading to higher conviction rates and deterrence.

May 2024

Global: Growth of Privacy-Focused Social Networks

New social media platforms emphasising user privacy and data protection gained significant traction globally.

Impact:

• Economy: Diversification of the social media market, providing alternatives to mainstream platforms and encouraging competition.
• Society: Increased user control over personal data, fostering a more privacy-conscious online culture.

Kenya: Implementation of Strict Online Advertising Regulations

Kenya introduced regulations to govern online advertising, focusing on transparency, truthfulness, and consumer protection.

Impact:

• Economy: Affected digital marketing agencies and advertisers, prompting shifts in advertising strategies and compliance practices.
• Society: Reduced exposure to misleading or harmful advertisements, enhancing consumer trust in online content.

June 2024

Global: Expansion of GDPR-like Regulations Beyond Europe

Countries in Asia and Africa began adopting data protection regulations similar to the EU’s GDPR, enhancing global data privacy standards.

Impact:

• Economy: Increased regulatory compliance costs for international businesses, stimulating the growth of data protection services.
• Society: Strengthened global data privacy, providing individuals with greater control over their personal information.

Kenya: Launch of the Digital Rights Charter

Kenya introduced a Digital Rights Charter outlining citizens’ rights in the digital space, including privacy, freedom of expression, and protection from online harm.

Impact:

• Economy: Encouraged ethical business practices in the tech industry, attracting socially responsible investments.
• Society: Empowered users with clear rights and recourse mechanisms, fostering a more equitable online environment.

July 2024

Global: Surge in Ransomware Attacks on Critical Infrastructure

A series of high-profile ransomware attacks targeted essential services like healthcare, energy, and transportation worldwide.

Impact:

• Economy: Significant financial losses for affected industries, increased spending on cybersecurity measures, and disruption of services.
• Society: Compromised public safety and essential services, heightening the urgency for robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Kenya: Adoption of Blockchain for Online Identity Verification

Kenya implemented blockchain technology to secure online identity verification processes, reducing fraud and enhancing user trust.

Impact:

• Economy: Boosted the fintech sector, promoting innovation and attracting blockchain investments.
• Society: Improved security in online transactions and services, enhancing user confidence in digital identities.

August 2024

Global: Emergence of Virtual Safety Officers (VSOs) in Organizations

Organisations globally began appointing Virtual Safety Officers to oversee and manage online safety protocols and compliance.

Impact:

• Economy: Created new roles and career paths in the online safety domain, supporting organisational growth and resilience.
• Society: Enhanced organisational accountability and proactive management of online safety issues, benefiting employees and customers alike.

Kenya: Strengthening of Online Harassment Laws

Kenya revised its legal framework to provide stronger penalties and support for victims of online harassment and abuse.

Impact:

• Economy: Increased legal services demand and promoted safer online environments for businesses and individuals.
• Society: Empowered victims to seek justice and reduced the prevalence of online harassment, fostering a healthier digital community.

September 2024

Launch of the International Online Safety Consortium (IOSC)

Countries worldwide formed the IOSC to collaborate on global online safety standards, information sharing, and coordinated responses to cyber threats. These countries include;
Kenya, United States, United Kingdom,Brazil,Canada, India, South Korea, Australia, Japan, European Union Member States (Unified stance on digital privacy and compliance standards, following the GDPR model).

Impact:

• Economy: Facilitated international trade and cooperation in the tech sector, promoting a secure global digital economy.
• Society: Enhanced cross-border protection against cybercrimes, fostering a safer and more interconnected online environment.

Kenya: Introduction of AI Ethics Guidelines for Online Platforms

Kenya released comprehensive AI ethics guidelines to govern the use of artificial intelligence in online platforms, ensuring fairness and accountability.

Impact:

• Economy: Encouraged responsible AI development and deployment, attracting ethical AI investments and partnerships.
• Society: Promoted equitable and unbiased AI applications, reducing discrimination and enhancing user trust in AI-driven services.

October 2024

Global: Significant Investment in Cyber Insurance

The cyber insurance market experienced substantial growth, with more businesses adopting policies to mitigate cyberattack risks.

Impact:

• Economy: Expanded the insurance sector, providing financial safety nets for businesses against cyber threats.
• Society: Increased organisational resilience and reduced the societal impact of cyber incidents through financial support mechanisms.

Kenya: Establishment of the Online Safety Certification Program

• Overview: Kenya introduced a certification program for businesses to demonstrate adherence to online safety and data protection standards.
• Impact:
  • Economy: Incentivized businesses to adopt best practices in online safety, enhancing competitiveness and consumer trust.
  • Society: Ensured higher standards of online safety across industries, protecting users from data breaches and cyber threats.

November 2024

Global: Breakthrough in Quantum-Resistant Encryption

Researchers developed quantum-resistant encryption methods, enhancing data security against future quantum computing threats.

Impact:

• Economy: Stimulated investment in advanced cybersecurity technologies and services, positioning companies at the forefront of data protection.
• Society: Strengthened long-term data security, safeguarding sensitive information from emerging technological threats.

Kenya: Nationwide Cybersecurity Education Initiative in Schools

Kenya launched a comprehensive cybersecurity education program in schools to equip the younger generation with essential online safety skills.

Impact:

• Economy: Cultivated a future workforce proficient in cybersecurity, supporting the growth of the tech industry.
• Society: Fostered a culture of digital responsibility and awareness among youth, reducing susceptibility to cyber threats.

December 2024

Consolidation of Major Tech Firms for Enhanced Online Safety

Leading tech companies merged to form a unified entity focused on advancing online safety technologies and policies.

Impact:

• Economy: Created a powerhouse in the online safety sector, driving innovation and setting global standards.
• Society: Streamlined efforts to combat online threats, providing users with more robust safety features and protections.

Kenya: Recognition as a Regional Cybersecurity Hub

Kenya was recognized by international bodies as a leading cybersecurity hub in Africa, attracting global partnerships and investments.

Impact:

• Economy: Boosted the national economy through increased foreign direct investment and the growth of the cybersecurity sector.
• Society: Enhanced national security and positioned Kenya as a key player in regional online safety initiatives, benefiting citizens and businesses alike.